Getting There & Getting About

International Airports

• Mexico City (MEX): 13 km from nearest city.
• Guadalajara (GDL): 20 km from nearest city.
• Acapulco (ACA): 26 km
• Monterrey (MTY): 24 km
• Full list of airports in Mexico with associated airport codes >

Internal Transport

Mexico has a good domestic air network, which operate between principal commercial centres and even smaller airports. There is also a regular ferry service that operates between Mazatlán and La Paz (Baja California); from Puerto Vallarta to Cabo San Lucas; between La Paz and Topolobampo; and between Guaymas and Santa Rosalia, across the Gulf of California. Ferries also run from the mainland to the Caribbean Islands of Cozumel and Isla Mujeres.

There are very few long-distance passenger train services now running in Mexico; the surviving routes are state-subsidised services for residents of remote areas. There are, however, a number of tourist trains, such as the Tequila Express, which runs between Guadalajara and Amatitan, and the Chihuahua-Pacific Railway (El Chepe), which operates between Chihuahua and Los Mochis and includes a stop in the Copper Canyon region.

Almost all towns are linked by coach and bus services. Car hire is available at airports, city centres and resorts, although drivers should watch out for hidden extras with local firms. Approximately half of Mexico's roads are paved, and car use in Mexico City is restricted so as to reduce pollution. Speed limits are 110 kph (68 mph) on motorways (except in Chihuahua where it is 100 kph or 62 mph); 80-90 kph (50-56 mph) on expressways and outside built-up areas; and 30-70 kph (19-43mph) in towns. It is advisable to keep car windows and doors closed and locked, especially at traffic lights.

In Mexico City, the Metro system offers a cheap and efficient method of travelling. It opens at about 6am every day and closes at midnight. There are also extensive bus and trolley bus services and a small tramway network. Un-metered turismo taxis (with English-speaking drivers) are available outside main hotels; visitors should always agree on the fare before starting the journey. Yellow and white taxis are metered, as are orange taxis, which are available at taxi-stands. Green and white taxis (pesaros) are share-taxis travelling on fixed routes, and charge a flat fare according to the distance travelled. Tipping is not compulsory for any of the taxi services.

Guadalajara has a state-run bus and trolley bus service, along with extensive private bus services.